All-new Mahindra Rexton (XUV700) showcased in Mumbai

Mahindra showcased the all-new, second-gen Rexton SUV, with its codename ‘Y400’ displayed on the license plate, to select dealers and shareholders at the company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), in Mumbai. Set to be Mahindra’s flagship SUV when it arrives this festive season, the Rexton won’t sport any SsangYong badging. In addition, it won’t be called Rexton, but will most likely be named the XUV700, in keeping with Mahindra’s current nomenclature.

The company has said that external changes aside, the Rexton will feature a tweaked suspension set-up to better suit Indian roads, which will result in a change in ride height and changes to its handling characteristics.

Compared to the outgoing model, the new Rexton gets an updated feature list. While the model shown at the Auto Expo was equipped with projector headlamps, a 9.2-inch HD touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 360-degree camera, a 7.0-inch LCD instrument cluster, cooled seats, Nappa leather upholstery and a smart tailgate, it remains to be seen if all this kit will be available on the SUV at launch.

Under the bonnet of the new Rexton is a 2.2-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-diesel engine that produces 187hp and 420Nm of peak torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed torque converter automatic transmission, though all-wheel-drive will be on offer with higher-spec variants.

Estimated prices for the new Mahindra Rexton are expected to begin at Rs 24 lakh (thanks to a significant degree of localisation), which will see it undercut its rivals in this segment - the Toyota Fortuner (Rs 26.69-32.48 lakh) and the Ford Endeavour (Rs 26.33-32.81 lakh).

Do you think the Rexton could offer stiff competition to the Fortuner and the Endeavour? Let us know in the comments.